4+1 Biology BS plus Biotechnology PSM Program

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - Department ofBiology

The Professional Science Master's (PSM) with a concentration in Biotechnology, specialization in Quality Assurance provides industry-focused scientific and management training to life science professionals, positioning them for future success in managerial or supervisory roles as they advance in their careers. Aligned with the University’s institutional mission of offering programs that produce qualified graduates needed for the Commonwealth job market, the Biotechnology program is flexible and adaptable to the diverse needs of employers in the Massachusetts life sciences community.

The new track BS/PSM (4+1) degrees program combines the undergraduate and graduate trainings in a scientific discipline plus component of business and regulatory trainings.  This will prepare students for a career in pharmaceutical industry, government or healthcare industry.  The BS/PSM degrees program can be completed in a period of 5 years (4 undergraduate years and 1 year of graduate studies) and is intended to focus on training highly motivated undergraduate juniors with applicable scientific and professional skills for the biotech industry. 

Students in this program will gain:

• Acquisition of specific knowledge about biotechnology and related sub-disciplines

• Hands-on experience in biotechnology industry through an internship

• Networking contacts within the biotechnology industry

• Increase in potential for employment and advanced studies

Application Deadline

Applicants who are undergraduate juniors should apply during the fall semester of their junior year to the Graduate Admission Office. The due date for applications is February 15.  The accepted students will start the program in the summer of their junior year.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Submit an official transcript from each college or university attended as an undergraduate student.

a. Have an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; including 3.00 or above grades in science courses.

b. Have planned coursework or training in statistics, and at least one course in cell biology, genetics, or molecular biology before the end of junior year.  Applicants may be required to complete additional coursework while enrolling in courses for this graduate program.

2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score reports are waived.

3. Provide three (3) current letters of recommendation, preferably one from the student's advisor and one from a faculty member.

4. Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.

5. Submit a 300-word statement of purpose.

6. 4+1 Program Specific Application

The admissions committee will begin review of applicant materials upon receipt of all required documents. Complete applications include: application form, three current letters of recommendation, 300-word personal statement, and all official undergraduate transcripts.

Program Requirements

The student will have to fulfill the entire undergraduate course requirement, for the Bachelor of Science degree which could include up to three graduate courses.  For the PSM program, the student is required to complete 13 courses: 10 core courses, two elective courses, one 400-hour industry-based capstone internship course (the three courses taken across the student's senior year are counted as course credits toward both the undergraduate and graduate programs).  Students are admitted to the program in the Spring semester of the Junior year, and are expected to start taking graduate courses in the summer of their rising senior year.  Students who begin the program but cannot complete the degree requirements with their incoming cohort may, with the guidance and approval of the Program Director, develop an alternative plan for completion. 

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses:

Admitted students who do not have coursework or training in statistics and at least one course in cell biology, genetics, or molecular biology must plan to complete the undergraduate coursework before enrolling in courses for this graduate program.

Biotechnology Concentration/Quality Assurance Specialization Requirements

Concentration/Specialization Core Courses (10):

• BIOT 903 Drug Development: Process and Regulations
• BIOT 908 Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals
• BIOT 930 Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques
• BIOT 941 Molecular Biotechnology
• BIOT 952 Scientific and Technical Communication in Biotechnology
• BIOT 966 Ethical Implications of Biotechnology
• BUIS 956 Project Management for Biotechnology
• MATH 924 Data Analyses and Statistical Concepts in Biotechnology
• MGMT 921 Business Operations Management for Biotechnology
• MGMT 945 Management and Leadership for Biotechnology

Elective Courses (2):

Elective courses will not be offered each semester. Students should meet with their program advisor regularly to discuss when electives may be offered.

• CHEM 936 Current Topics in Biochemistry
• BIOT 970 Current Topics in Genetics, Epigenetics, and Genomics
• BIOT 972 Cells and Systems
• BIOT 974 Applied Immunology
• BIOT 978 Drug Discovery

Capstone Course (1):

• BIOT 995 Biotechnology Internship

Sample Year Calendar: